DearS - 1st Contact (Vol. 1)

At first look, I thought it would be a series I would just put down after a single episode. Though what really caught me off guard, was how quickly the series hooked me in. Be that many anime series have striking similarities, this one still managed to keep its own level of individuality, in an extremely enteraining fashion. I won't get into too many details over it so I do not spoil it for those who have not seen it yet. What I can say, is that viewers should expect plenty of good laughs and levels of intrigue with this series. Suspenseful? Not so much, but I would not call it predicatble. Some events or actions kind of have the feeling like they hit you on the face with a toy hammer. What you can also notice is animation consistancy and the amount of detail the animators went into every shot. Voice acting for both Japanese and the English voices were very exceptional, and really emphasized on expression, which for me personally, is VERY important to keep in mind. This series, though not as well known as some of the hot-shot series out there, then, and now, still ranks as one of my all-time favorites. The only complaint is that it was only a 13 episode series, would it have been better if a little bit longer? that I cannot be for certain, but I am happy with how it all turned out.

While I admit there is nothing groundbreaking within this series it nonetheless has an infectious quality to it which drew me in from the first moment and left me loving this anime. There is much to love about this anime even within what others have said is lack of originality, so much so that I think it becomes a very comfortable anime to watch, and one that will leave you wanting more by the time you finish this first disc. Others have compared DearS, and rightly so, to a Chobits meets Girls Bravo type of plot mix. It is very much filled with ideas found within both of those anime, however it is also within these very similarities that the characters of DearS start to shine and take on lives of their own, making them unique within a commonplace set of ideas. It cannot be understated that it is the writing itself which allows this characters to be brought so to life and create such a wonderful feeling that you will love this anime from start to finish on this first disc and be left wanting more, the mark of a great performance. So while I cannot deny there is nothing groundbreaking and much of the plot might seem familiar, I can say that in spite of this DearS has an irresistible charm all of it's own that makes this anime a worthy entry in anyone's collection.

DearS is a show that through me for a loop. I read the first chapter in a manga sampler, and the review for it made it sound like "Alien Nation". A spaceship of alien slaves crash lands on Earth and the country they landed in "Japan" adopts them in to their society. The country sets up an exchange program, where Families take care of these beautiful alien visitors as they go to school to learn more about our Planet. The aliens are given the name DearS, which means "beloved friend", and one high-school student Named Takeya ends up taking care of a girl named Rin. This story sounds innocent enough right. Wrong! In the first episode we find out Takeya's teacher is a Nymph and more or less forces her students to read the Erotica she wrights out loud in class. She also acts inappropriately in class as they're reading. Rin, who arrived 1 year after the other DearS, has no understanding of anything. Our languages, our cultures, when and when not to wear clothing (Your not suppose to wear your school uniform in the Shower.) is naked in most of the show. Whether you like shows like this or not, its got a certain charm in a "Girls Bravo" sort of way. I'd recommend this show to any "Girls Bravo" fans and not to Parents who want to buy their kids a Cartoon.

I don't watch too much anime to know if this is "original" like the other reviewers say it is, but this was one of the first mangas I ever read. The art is beautiful, and the story is cute. The anime is a very good adaption to the manga. Although some plot points were left out of the anime, it still drew me into the story. This DVD contains 4 episodes, which covers about 2 of the manga books. The DVD art work was very beautiful, and sometimes I find myself just staring at the DVD! (: I say, if you like this series, you should definitely go ahead and buy this!

just as stated did the job ,my girlfriend was missing the first volume now her sets complete

Despite some of the reviews being UK and some of the sellers also being UK based, this is not region 2. Does not work on European PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Works perfectly fine on my P.C. which doesn't have the region restrictions, so can confirm it works well and of good value. Just worth keeping in mind the misleading information before purchase.